Test methodology for performance assessment of structural sealant glazing systems at superimposed mechanical and climatic loading

Abstract

Abstract Reliable performance of structural sealant glazing (SSG) systems is necessary to utilise advantages of SSG in glass facades. Conventional durability assessment of structural sealant joints is based on separated weathering tests and empirical fatigue testing. This work presents a new test methodology for performance assessment of SSG-joints at simultaneous weathering and two-dimensional mechanical loading. The climatic and mechanical load function were derived from common loading scenarios according to a worst case approach. A system test specimen, resembling a common SSG-joint, was exposed to 24 h of combined loading in a custom-designed test facility. From the recorded mechanical system response, characteristic parameters were evaluated to assess the performance of the system at varying climatic and mechanical conditions. These experimental results reveal effects of ambient conditions, previous loading and deformation amplitude peaks on the system response. The proposed test methodology opens up for new performance-related approaches in durability testing.